Trending Now - Heatwave Expected to Impact Los Angeles This Week
WHO:
Richard Thompson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles
Junior Pineda, representative with the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers
Zack Marquez, resident in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Ryan Kittell, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard
Lyndsey Lantz, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department
Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer
WHAT:
Forecast predicts temperatures around 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 degrees Celsius) in downtown Los Angeles.
Expected temperatures are about 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal for mid-March.
The hottest day is forecasted to be on Thursday, with temperatures possibly hitting 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) in the San Fernando Valley.
A heat advisory has been issued for much of Southern California on March 12th and 13th, 2026.
Los Angeles County officials are opening cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.
The National Weather Service warned of a "HIGH RISK" for heat illness for most populations.
Los Angeles has recorded over 18 inches of rainfall since October 2025, which is 7 inches above normal.
WHERE:
Downtown Los Angeles, California
San Fernando Valley, California
Koreatown neighborhood, Los Angeles, California
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Los Angeles, California
Southern California
WHEN:
The heat wave is forecasted for March 12th and 13th, 2026.
Temperatures are expected to rise on March 11th, 2026.
Cooling centers will be operational during the heat wave.
WHY:
The unseasonable heat raises the risk of heat illness and could lead to an earlier start to the fire season.
The ongoing heat builds on several weeks of warm, dry conditions since January 2026.
HOW:
Residents are urged to drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities during the daytime.
Outdoor construction workers are provided with drinking water and electrolyte packets and are instructed to take frequent breaks.
Local officials are preparing for increased fire weather conditions and planning adverse weather meetings.
(UPDATED March 12, 2026 01:31 UTC)
A heat advisory has been issued for much of Southern California today and tomorrow, with temperatures in downtown Los Angeles expected to reach around 93 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 20 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. The hottest day is forecasted to be Thursday, when temperatures could hit 95 degrees in the San Fernando Valley, prompting local officials to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning. Meteorologists warn of a "HIGH RISK" for heat illness, urging everyone to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the peak heat hours.